I live in Bernardsville, where I write poetry and fiction and publish Tiferet Journal (www.tiferetjournal.com). My poetry chapbook Sometimes You Sense the Difference was published by Finishing Line Press and my story collection Sympathetic People by Serving House Books. These poems are in a book-length manuscript I'm currently working on. More info about my publications and awards can be found at www.donnabaierstein.com.

King Kong

Kong was never intended to be anything but the best damned adventure film ever made, which it is; and that’s all it is. -Merian C. Cooper

What happens when the big, awkward ape of wishing breaks through the Hall of Mirrorsand stands plop in front of you in all his drudgery: missing button,frayed collar, three moles on the neck.

You’re shorter than I remember you. Less hair. Fatter stomach.But boy, your tongue and finger still know how to make me sing!

Fear is contagious.I can’t tell in which of us it starts, ricocheting off skin, mirrors, the pearly membrane of bubbles.

What a mess this would be,if that big old dream -- of you and me --came true. Splattered bubble juice, broken mirrors. Someone might get hurt.

But who’s the one who makes the monkey move?Who’ll step forward?I’d welcome you. I’d bring out my courage, shine its silvered surface until it smokes.No more hiding behind black glass for me.No more skulking in shadows or jungle grass.

This relationship’s been a model of slow motion animation.I want it to move, damn it, move.I want to leave big footprints,like the 50 foot woman or man.Or King Kong,

If King Kong had lived,where would he have taken Faye?Would she wipe his long, thick hairsfrom their oversize couch, complaining?Find bits of leaves and berries in their sheets?Complain about his breath?